ARTISTS

Life is full of extreme riches and loss, and Marie has lived both in full living color. With all these experiences, she chooses to see the color, the beauty, and the opportunities in every day. She captures the power of the positive human experience. Obsessed with expressing emotions through paint, she uses color and texture to reflect our beautiful surroundings here in Colorado and her observations, via travel around the Americas, Europe and Asia. For ten years she has studied and practiced with various fine art media such as print making, mixed media collage, digital photography, and oil and acrylic painting. Her current work is Abstract Expressionist, in mixed media: acrylic paint, inks, hand painted papers, and some oil paint and found objects on canvas or board. Her work is currently shown at: The Nicolaysen Art Museum & Discovery Center, Casper, WY; Boulder Street Gallery, Colorado Springs, CO.

Fun Fine Art ????????????
Owlcoholic, Painter, Biker, Happy Grandma – that's me! My art is sold locally at The Squash Blossom Gallery and 45 Degree Gallery in Old Colorado City, and Downtown Colorado Springs at The Boulder Street Gallery. I have a thing for owls and my artwork has lots of owls but not only owls. Come into the galleries and see for yourself!

My Story…..
Who would have thought that for myself, my great escape would be spending countless hours in a dusty and dirty world of chaos just to find some artistic peace!
The story begins with find amazing inspiration. I have uncovered a love for woodcarving completely by mistake!
Knowing that I am a artist from a early age, my first passion has always been drawing. The woodcarving seed was planted by a twisted piece of wood that I could see a image in, this gave me some peace mind, with it Being such a unique gift of art I started to inquired about more of the art form and keeping it with in my renaissance feel.
A trip to a black powder rondevu , and middle earth was all it took to get me ‘hooked’ and from that point forward the wood crafting has become one of my favorite places to escape too! The true credit and inspiration for my art goes to my family and me learning to see things others can’t.
Being pushed by friends and family to get my art out there, I decided to give Etsy a try! I opened my Etsy shop because I wanted to showcase my hidden talent and share it with others the joy and passion I find through my work. Starting with nothing more than a cut piece of wood, I shape my artwork with chipping tools and belt sanders. Most of my supplies consist of natural discarded wood. All of my products are finished, oiled, protected, the natural wood and gives our work its sheen. Each product is a unique, one of a kind carving. Although I may create similar styles, no two pieces are the same. I guarantee all of my products as hand finished reclaimed wood. Thank you for shopping with me, I promise to provide exceptional customer service and quality products each and every time.

Pegi Ballenger was born in Houston, Texas and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Newcomb College of Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. Pegi continued to study commercial art, radio and television at the University of Houston, and computer graphics at Pikes Peak Community College and Dakota County Technical College.
She has worked as a copywriter for a CBS television affiliate, as an advertising director, and now freelances as a painter, illustrator and graphic artist. She is an award-winning artist and has taught adult and children’s art classes.
Pegi has illustrated several children’s books including “A Mouse In The Rabbi’s Study” (Song Sparrow Press 2008), Kat’s Magic Bubble (Savage Press 2007), and three books by Vince Scarlata; Honey of a Dog, Teddy The Amazing Wolf Dog, and Leemor Angelas’s Iguana.
Pegi, her husband Ray, and their dog live near Woodland Park, Colorado.

Ever heard a band who sounds better than the original bands whose songs they cover? These guys do, according to awed fans.
6035 plays a tight mix of music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, with a little something for everyone–from the groovy hippies of the 70s to the alternative hipsters of the new millennium.
Their shows feature unbridled rock action created by dual guitarists Dave Turnupseed and Toby Kinnaman, who aren’t afraid of a little old school guitar distortion. Michael Lascuola lays a deep rhythmic bass line, joined by Rick Hilyard on drums–who flawlessly provides the weight needed to keep it all rolling. Add the astonishing versatility of Fritz Genato’s voice, which ranges from a mellow croon to the raw power of a hardcore headbanger, and the energy is irresistible. You just can’t help it—you have to get on your feet and dance!

Let the Tent Show Kings bring the party to your club, festival, wedding or event. We are a 7 piece variety band that plays all your favorite music from classic R&B to modern dance music, rock, funk, pop, and much more. The Tent Show Kings consist of a tight 3 piece rhythm section, dynamic vocals, and a powerful 3 piece horn section. Experience the Tent Show and keep your party rocking all night long. We are available for booking so contact us now to book Tent Show Kings for your event. Tent Show Kings' musicians have a wide variety of influences from the classics to modern day classics in the making. We play music by all your favorite artists like: Otis Redding, Van Morrison, The Rolling Stones, Peter Gabriel, David Bowie, ZZ Top, Cake, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, The Black Keys, Daft Punk, The Doobie Brothers, Young MC, The JBs, Commodores, Foster The People, Reel Big Fish, Bob Marley, Matisyahu, B-52s, Van Halen, Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, The Capital Cities, and many more. Tent Show Kings can provide all the music entertainment your event needs. TSK Jazz Combo can add a touch of class to your dinner or cocktail hour at your event. We can also provide classical ceremony music for your wedding ceremony. Our full 7 piece band will make your event one to remember. We love to interact with your guests and keep them dancing all night long. We can give you a turn-key solution including professional PA system, lighting, dinner music, cocktail music, and of course lots of high energy dance music. Our powerful 3 piece horn section combined with our rock solid rhythm section and dynamic vocals will give your event that party feel that you're looking for.

Emily Barber is an aerial performer and coach from southern Colorado and the founder of the aerial performance group, Aerial Aura. Aerial Aura captivates viewers by performing on different apparatuses, flying, flipping, and spinning through the air. They have entertained across Colorado at festivals, corporate events, private parties, charities, and county fairs, providing a unique and awe-inspiring experience for audiences of all ages.
Emily also coaches aerial arts at Trampoline World in Colorado Springs, The Dragon Dojo Studio in Pueblo, and AerialWorks Studio in Castle Rock. She is open to receiving new students ages seven and above.

Grammy nominated Steve Barta (pianist, composer, arranger, producer, educator).
Pianist Steve Barta has stayed true to his creative path for over thirty years as a composer, recording artist, producer, author, educator and speaker. He has performed his original works as a solo artist with jazz ensembles and symphony orchestras. His contribution to the world of music includes fourteen recordings that reflect his many influences, particularly Brazilian, Jazz and Classical. Steve has released fourteen recordings to date. He has worked and/or recorded with the likes of Al Jarreau, Hubert Laws, Herbie Mann, Dori Caymmi, B.B. King, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Paulinho da Costa, Mike Shapiro and many more. His recordings are available worldwide via SteveBartaMusic.com, iTunes, Amazon.com, and CD Baby. Steve has written several works for symphony orchestra that have been performed worldwide. Mr. Barta is a music educator with over thirty years of experience teaching intermediate to advanced students, educators and professional musicians. Special areas of instruction for private students, clinics and master classes are music interpretation, improvisation, arranging and composition.

I grew up in a highly artistic family, so initially, I would like to thank my parents. I began my artistic career in creative writing and language arts, attaining a BA in English Literature, seven years professional experience as a book editor, and scattered but well-received works of fiction and poetry. I have also pursued music and produced my own CD on which I played all instruments and wrote all of the music — not my strongest art, but a fun diversion. I’ve found the visual arts to be my favorite passion. I really do have a voice, I just don’t always know which language to speak. My art springs forth from joy. I am an optimistic and playful person; my art tends to be as well. As a creative person, I try to absorb life, run it through the washing machine in my brain, and fabricate a new interpretation of it; sometimes figuratively, sometimes abstractly, sometimes whimsically, sometimes a poem, painting, or song. I see maturation with every successive work I produce. I have always been a fast learner, and I believe there is at least one masterpiece in my future. If I’m anything, I’m optimistic. Please visit my website at RicBascobert.com, or view select works in person at Mountain Living Studios, Thunder & Buttons II, and Academy Frame and Art.

Maria Battista has been working as a sculptor and goldsmith in the Pikes Peak region since 1992. She executes classical sculpture in bronze and stone, specializing in figurative, archetypal themes. Her bronze sculpture “Calypso” is featured on the cover of the 2015-2016 Colorado Journeys magazine. She is also known for her unique, contemporary design mastery with precious metals and gemstones. Her work can be seen in Santa Fe at McCall Fine Art (225 Canyon Road) and locally at Hunter-Wolff Gallery (2510 W. Colorado Ave.), at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center Museum Shop (30 W. Dale St.) at the Center for Creative Leadership, and at the Tai Chi Association (219 W. Colorado Ave.).

"I came to the West in 1976, seduced by the spectacular landscapes, the big sky, and the character and diversity of the people. For more than 30 years, I have explored its mind-blowing vastness and surprising subtlety. I live to get out on the road, explore, get overwhelmed by the landscape, get hollowed out by the experience, take all the photos I can, make sketches, then get back in the studio and paint. It’s a great life." Michael Baum specializes in contemporary representational paintings of the western and southwestern landscape. He is represented in many private, corporate, and public collections nationally and internationally. Baum lives and works in Manitou Springs, Colorado. Michael Baum Art Website: www.MichaelBaum.com

Mickey Baxter-Spade is a Colorado-based artist who specializes in custom designed murals, limited edition fine art giclees, a line of note cards and bookmarks. Known for infusing her love of nature into her original compositions, Mickey has just released a new line of contemporary art, rich in color and flowing design that sparks the imagination.
Mickey’s unique artistic creations grace the halls of well known resorts throughout the country, including the Broadmoor Resort in Colorado, Kingsmill Resort in Virginia and the Wigwam Resort in Arizona. Her whimsical stylistic works can also be viewed in commercial, hospital and home settings throughout the U.S. and Canada. Mickey’s freehand custom designs have found a home in entry halls, wine cellars, visiting areas and residences. Her trademark Bumble Bee carefully placed in all of her murals . . . just a reminder that one should always follow their dreams!

I am a Manitou Springs Colorado based studio artist with a unique set of skills in the area where I feel there are deficiencies in the system for the expressive arts and how we connect with marginalized populations like veterans, women who have suffered from sexual assault, and people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Disabled Female Air Force Veteran Artist and Service Dog named Betsy Boops (ADAA required; she is hypoallergenic, does not shed, has been my service dog for 2 years). Very docile and calm. Clients will have the freedom to interact with Betsy Boops as I believe animals like her are able to heal others, as she has for me.
I have a BFA in studio art, a BA in general psychology and 16 years of formal experience with transition-aged young adults AND older adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. I have also worked for the VA in both Chicago and Oregon as a Peer Support Specialist working with Veterans who were homeless and suffering from mental illness and substance abuse through art.
I was the manager of The Arts of Life (www.artsoflife.org). I highly recommend checking this organization out as it’s where a lot of my philosophies were born.
Finally, I have 16 years of experience in the field of working with folks who have developmental, intellectual, and physical disbilities; two years of experience as a Peer Support Specialist working with Veterans suffering from PTSD and Substance Abuse Disorders; and unfortunately 21 years of experience as a survivor of military sexual trauma (MST) and a sufferer of PTSD, utilizing expressive art to self soothe and collaborate with other artists with similar experiences.
I can offer respite for $40 for a 2 hour session/plus supplies. I will provide some supplies out of my own, until they run out. The respite would be in the form of an art lesson. It can be an ongoing or one time lesson. I would be available on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10am-6pm (days and times are negotiable as I know folks schedules vary a lot). I can also do group classes if a location is procured by you.
I can travel to your space. Cash/PayPal or card payment accepted. First lesson is 50% OFF. First lesson will be a meet and greet to determine whether it’s a collaboration that both of us feel comfortable in, as well as a getting to know you questionnaire to determine subject matter and likes and dislikes.
Contact now for lessons starting February 20, 2018.
Examples of supplies:
*acrylic paint and brushes
*canvas
*anything around the house that you might think is garbage but could be used as a tactile tool to make textures
*pickle jars for water to rinse brushes
*painting clothes or smocks and gloves
*source materials – pictures of things in the world that folks like
*other items upon request for special projects

Coming from a family of artists, you could say that art is “in my blood”. My Uncle, Norman Beckner, studied under George O. Beardsley (1867–1938) at the Broadmoor Art Academy and is well known for his Colorado Landscapes, rendered in watercolors/oils. With both my Brother, Stephen Beckner, and my cousin, Jay Beckner, being accomplished artists, art was an integral part of my childhood. Multimedia – My favs are Watercolor on canvas, Recycled Photography. My manipulated photography will take you to new or unfamiliar places, viewed through the lens of a mysterious alternate reality. There is a subject for everyone, so my hope is that you find something that will provide hours of enjoyment.

Having a love for the creatures of our world and our mythologies, my drive in art is to create strange yet beautiful characters and creatures teeming with story and intrigue. I often take inspiration from culture, nature, and high fantasy then combine them to create new realities and possibilities.
I grew up in a family of artists and as such, I was influenced at a very young age to become one myself. I specialize in a wide range of mediums and have a broad understanding of techniques that I adapt to each individual piece. I am always eager to learn new techniques so I may evolve my own.
I am apprenticing under my brother, David Gray, at Bad Penny Tattoos to be a tattoo artist and learning the amazing profession involving skin art. I wish to bring the same dedication and skill in my fine art to the tattoo medium.
May of 2015, I graduated from Pikes Peak Community College with a personalized Associates focusing on the Fine Arts as well as some Multimedia Graphic Design Studies. While attending PPCC, I worked in the Downtown Studio Art Gallery as a technician for one year.
During my studies at PPCC, I have been awarded 1st place awards for five pieces in five separate art shows judged by an outside jury.
Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LBskinart

Of her artist journey Laura BenAmots says, “The disparate experiences of my life shape my art as I search for belonging and solitude. Time passes and I have found great freedom in the eclectic visual voices discovered in the search.”
Laura was the Artist in Residence at The Machine Shop which culminated in a one-person show in 2018. Other recent career highlights include her 2017 exhibit Stream of Consciousness inspired by her pilgrimage to Standing Rock in 2016 – a trip that deeply impacted her creative journey and resulted in the series titled Whispering Bones, Dancing Waters, Talking Skies, Sacred Grounds. She has been a member of the activist women artists group Rough Ruby Arts Collective since 2016, was featured artist in the national online journal, Collateral, because of her extensive works honoring the struggles of veterans with PTS, Battle Portraits, and her work was selected for inclusion in the 2014 International Contemporary Artists Exhibit in Assisi, Italy.
New York born painter, BenAmots, spent her formative years in Israel and has lived in Colorado since 1998. She served as Gallery Director at Pikes Peak Community College for eight years and has been a tenured member of faculty since 2001. Her career has included a range of solo, juried and invitational exhibits both nationally and internationally.
Two books have been published about her work: BATTLE PORTRAITS Wounded Lions Wounded Lambs (published and distributed by the BAC Art Book Project www.battleportraits.com) and Eros On Canvas: the erotic paintings of Laura BenAmots (co-published by Last Gasp Press in San Francisco, California, and the Smokemuse Press in Colorado www.erosoncanvas.com).

Jason Bennett is a singer-songwriter who has written, recorded and released 10 CD’s of original acoustic themed music. His songs, which are mostly about faded love, have been played on national television and radio stations all over the world. Jason also served as executive producer and performer on the award-winning CD, “Positively Pikes Peak – The Pikes Peak Region Sings Bob Dylan.” Jason has many of his songs signed with The Discovery Channel, Getty Music and many other music publishers and music libraries. You can usually find Jason thumpin’ on his acoustic guitar and singing his songs in coffeehouses, art galleries and special events in southern Colorado. His official web page is: https://jasonbennett1.bandcamp.com/ and he can be followed on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/bennettfolk.

Deena Bennett creates both ceramic and photography work. She taught high school photography for 12 years, mostly focusing on darkroom practices and black and white film photography. She has worked with clay for 35 years and has her own studio.
Bennett’s clay work is altered thrown porcelain and pit-fired earthenware, most of which is functional. Her non-functional work can be social commentary, whimsy or figurative.
Her photo work is a commentary on Southwest architecture both past and present. Bennett focuses on black and white film photography that has been hand colored with pencil and pastel.

Life long Educator, Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Attended Bemis School of Art, Colorado Springs, CO., Member of The Fine Arts Center, Author and Illustrator of Children’s Books West, nine works in the Library of Congress, Washington, DC., Mother and Grandmother,. Bio, not finished as yet…. mj

Jay Billups is the owner and founder of Jay Billups Creative Media and the Editor-in-Chief of jbCM Magazine. The magazine is in-print and online.
He is on a mission to expand the appreciation for creativity in all forms, strongly believing that humans are all ingenious beings and if one embraces one’s own particular brand of creativity, one naturally is able to contribute more to self, family, and society.
Creativity is not an outcome or an end product; it is process used on a daily basis to solve problems and overcome challenges. Many people are simply not aware of the innate creative power they possess.
Jay is striving to achieve his mission through print, photography and video. He interviews and features people of all walks of life, so they may share their stories in hopes of motivating and inspiring others to embrace their creativity. Some of the individuals are featured in jbCM Magazine.
The vision of the magazine is to “Inspire people to embrace their creativity.”
The mission of the magazine is to “Expand the appreciation of creativity in all forms.”
The purpose of the magazine is to provide a platform for artists, entrepreneurs, and educators to share their passions to inspire others.

Becca Bishop has more than 20 years of dance training and nearly 10 years of teaching experience. She started dancing in Birmingham, Ala., at the Kathy Draper School of Dance and Birmingham Dance Theater under the tutelage of Kim Wolfe, J.V. Jennings Goecke and Missa Pruitt. She spent summers in L.A. and New York at Millennium Dance Complex, the EDGE Performing Arts Center and Broadway Dance Center, where she was taught and inspired by renowned choreographers such as Wade Robson, Eddie Garcia, Savion Glover, Chebar Williams, Mia Michaels, judge/choreographer on SYTYCD, and Fame choreographer Marguerite Derricks. Becca competed with the Draper and BDT competition troupes for 10 years and spent several summers in ballet intensives at the Alabama School of Fine Arts and Alabama Ballet. She has performed in several dance and theater productions, including Peter Pan, Little Shop of Horrors and Fiddler on the Roof, for which she was dance captain. Her innovative choreography, dedication to technique and continued learning, and enthusiastic teaching style set her apart. She loves sharing her passion for dance, teaching and choreography with her students. In addition to dance, Becca is a certified Mat Pilates instructor through the PhysicalMind Institute and holds a B.A. in communications studies from Hollins University and an M.S. in public relations from Syracuse University.

I have been in a wheelchair all my life and am unable to speak. I With the assistance of adaptive equipment, I have been oil painting now for several years, taking classes in Colorado at Pikes Peak Community College and at CSU-Pueblo and earning a BFA in 2014. Painting has become an important part of my life. It gives me a voice, an identity, and a pathway to the world. It allows me to give something to the community and enables me to reach out to people and connect with them. Through my art, I can share my ideas and thoughts with others. I also enjoy the physical act of painting – the sensory input it gives me. I hope to be able to keep growing as an artist by developing my skills and learning new techniques. I am especially interested in capturing motion, like waves or fire, in my art. I am interested in the metaphor of “people in bottles”, which represents the way I feel at times – stuck in my own body. My own human condition is where I come from in my art; however I also enjoy the interplay between all humans and the environment at large. In my art, I enjoy exploring colors and opposites, as well as experimenting with putting a concept into a visual image. For me, painting is more than just a job or a hobby; it has become my way of life.

I am a new artist on the scene and excited to list myself on this directory. I was born and raised in Colorado Springs. I currently work for a publishing company located in Denver called TumbleBrush Press as the art coordinator. I work closely with 2 artists. www.tumblebrushpress.com

I am inspired by the process of pottery and enjoy the feel of clay both on the wheel and in hand-building techniques. Next to creating my own artwork, I am passionate about teaching others to speak the language of clay. I have a BA in Fine Arts from the George Washington University. I have worked in potteries in many various states, including the Greenwich House of Pottery in NYC and one international pottery in Grenada, West Indies. Currently I teach classes at the Bemis School of Art.

Growing up in a household with two artist parents was, to say the least, a dream come true, for I was born with the artist spirit and blossomed well under their creative nurturing. My father, Wayne K. Blickenstaff , was an illustrator and fine artist in the “hey day” of commercial illustration before photography became the popular mode of advertising and made life difficult for the illustrators. Magically he managed to support our family and give myself and my two brothers a good artistic foundation. My mother, Betty Evans Cook, was a fine artist and filled my head with all sorts of creative ideas through her own overflowing creativity. Throughout my early years I had numerous art instructions from my parents and other professionals and eventually attended Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia for a year and a half in the mid-seventies. Immediately after my stint in college I headed to Colorado and began my art career in earnest. My professional career has spanned thirty four years so far and has included illustration, graphic design, mural painting, teaching, and fine art. Portraiture has remained my passion and become my specialty. Whatever the environing conditions of life, you can always find me behind an “art desk” of one kind or another, be it an easel, a camera lens or a computer! I have exhibited in many art shows over the years and have won many awards, the most recent being the Best of Show Award in the 2012 National Northern Colorado Artists Association Exhibit. In 2007, I received the Lorenzo di Medici Presidents Award at the Biennale in Florence, Italy.

I am a studio artist working out of Monument, CO. I have a Master of Fine Art with an emphasis in Sculpture. My primary materials are Steel, Stained and hot Glass, Copper, Ceramic and Wood. My work ranges from highly conceptual mixed media pieces, to home decor, jewelry, and functional ironwork such as signs and gates. Attached to my studio I have a Showroom/Gallery.

Born in 1971 Michael Bliss spent his childhood in Colorado. He realized his passion for art, poetry, film and photography during his teenage years. At age 24 he moved to Austin, Texas to study and make films. While having an art studio and working at the Artplex gallery he became friends with teachers, students, artists and filmmakers. His passion for film has landed him on the set with some of today’s top directors. While working on the set with Robert Rodriquez (The Faculty, Sin City, Desperado, Spy Kids) he did everything from working behind the scenes to playing a news camera man, a teacher and as a extra in many scenes! He has also worked for Richard Linklater (Dazed and Confused, School of Rock, A Scanner Darkly) and has met Quentin Tarantino, Mike Judge and many others. Bliss’ passion for art and film is matched by his passion for life and his community.
Michael Bliss created Blissfest333 in 1999 in memory of Gary Pedon. A multimedia, cultural arts, film festival. Each Festival benefits and supports many great causes. The first two were to help find a cure for AIDS. The third was to help premature babies and their families. The fourth was to help abused animals. The fifth was to benefit Angel Eyes formerly The Colorado SIDS Foundation. The sixth was to help abused animals, The Springs Rescue Mission and Safe Passage. Blissfest333 “Reborn” Is to help the poor, the sick, the homeless, abused animals and people with disABILITIES. Featuring many talented artists, filmmakers, people that are homeless or were homeless and people with disABILITIES that will show there amazing abilities! Blissfest333 welcomes everyone with open arms.
Michael is blessed with a beautiful wife Bonnie Bliss and with five wonderful children. Taylor, Austin, Delaney, Kelsey, Zach. His son Austin was born premature. He was one pound fifteen ounces. His struggle to keep his son alive was the backdrop for Blissfest 3, a benefit for Premature Infants.
Michael moved back to Colorado from Texas to be with his mother who passed away in 2003. In the past years Michael has made contacts in the film, television and non-profit communities. Bliss has a sizeable group behind him as he heads into promoting his next Festival. Sponsors and beneficiaries include Independent Film Society Of Colorado, ESPN Radio 1880, Kawa Coffee, FastFrame, PPHSRF ( The Colorado Springs Trolley Musuem), Steiner SILS, Cafe' Lotus, Fort Morgan Times, Coates Realty, Inc, Newborn Hope, Springs Magazine, The Independent, local television & radio, business owners and countless members of the community. Bliss is sure to make an impact in the Colorado Arts & Non-Profit Community in the coming years. is about the community and the arts. Getting together in a blissful, harmonious environment. Meeting new friends, artists and the community in a positive atmosphere. Blissfest is devoted to help and raise money for charitable organizations. This year we are helping the sick, the poor, the homeless, and the abused. We also donate and help rescue and save abused animals. We welcome the community with open arms.

Recently I was selected, nationwide, to paint the official portrait of President Obama for the Denver State Capitol Bulding Rotunda – Gallery of Presidents. So now – to work!!!
I was apprenticed to an old German Master for 4.5 years – who tortured me and ripped up my "masterpieces" until I did them to his liking … but he made sure that I "got over" myself! I also had to clean his brushes along with my own; learn, learn and re-learn things I was convinced I knew, and pretty much lick his boots (so to speak!). Painting is a wonderful passion, and I would do it even if I was not paid for it! Fortunately, I am. How much better could life get? Art is good. Life is good.

I am a retired elementary teacher and live in Cascade, Colorado. All of my life I have been interested in drawing and painting and have taken art classes occasionally but never kept at anything for very long. I am basically self-taught, but I have learned a lot from art books, workshops and videos. I started sketching again in 2008 and in 2010 I decided to try watercolor painting. I have been painting watercolor pictures for about five years now. I participated in craft fairs from 2010-2013. In 2013 I had work displayed at The Staircase Gallery in Woodland Park, CO. My work is also for sale in two businesses in the Ute Pass area. I presently have work on exhibit at The Boulder Street Gallery in Colorado Springs. Sally Boeschen

Nancy Bonig designs and creates most of her kilnworked pieces with the hope that they will bring as much pleasure to the person who buys them as they did to her when she created them.
The design process starts with the finished piece in mind: its final size, shape, bend, and function. Then she draws on the influences of the Art Deco period, with its sleek, geometric forms and stylized imagery in decoration and design, while she experiments with line, color, texture, and balance to achieve a pleasing whole.
Nancy tries to learn something new with each project, whether it be design, color combinations, or firing techniques. Working with glass, she has learned to respect the material, be awed by its transformation with heat, and wonder at future possibilities.
She also thinks it is important to educate the public in the process and techniques of creating art. This is why she started Front Range Open Studios in 2011, where artists open their actual working studios to the public and demonstrate the tools and materials in their unique sanctuary of creative expression.

I’ve been dancing since I was about yay high…from Ballet to Belly Dance! I teach Fusion Middle Eastern Belly Dance in Pueblo, Colorado. So if you’re interested in strengthening your core, gaining flexibility, learning choreographies, or just playing dress up with the rest of us, please contact me! myspace.com/dancedeargan dancedeargan@hotmail.com 719-252-1132 Now taking new students! Shimmies! Deargan